Paraguay: Authorities enforcing revised COVID-19-related restrictions through Jan. 31 /update 25

Health officials in Paraguay announce revised COVID-19-related restrictions until Jan. 31. Nightly 2359-0500 movement restrictions remain.

Event

Health officials in Paraguay announced revised internal measures to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) through Jan. 31. Under the new directives, individual movements and most nonessential commercial operations remain limited to 0500-2359 daily. Most other measures will also remain unchanged; however, officials have relaxed some restrictions on recreational activities and facilities, including amateur sports, spas, beaches, and public pools. The following measures will remain in place through Jan. 31:

The sale of alcohol remains banned 2200-0500, except at restaurants.
Group sports are now permitted with up to 14 people together at a time.
Effective Jan. 16, public pools, beaches, and spas may reopen subject to pre-approval and operating protocols.
Dance activities are suspended at all events.
Public sector operations must follow a staggered schedule with 50-percent staff capacity.
Restaurants and other food establishments may operate 0500-2359, by reservation only. Dance and bar areas are to remain closed.
Home delivery and call center services, as well as pharmacies, may operate 24 hours.
Religious activities are permitted with a maximum of 100 people indoors and 150 people outdoors, with individuals maintaining 2 meters (6 feet) between each other.
Social events in public and private spaces are permitted with up to 100 people, and with individuals maintaining 2 meters (6 feet) between each other for up to four hours, with no dancing. Social events in the home are limited to 12 people only.
Most face-to-face classes remain suspended, except for a few exceptions.
Interdepartmental travel is permitted without restriction.
Events, practices, and other activities in the cultural and creative sectors are permitted with a maximum of up to 75 people together at a time.
Children's events, as well as wakes and funeral services, may be held subject to government protocols.

All businesses and individuals are required to adhere to strict social distancing protocols and enhanced sanitization measures. It is mandatory to wear facemasks in closed spaces, especially where people cannot maintain 2 meters (6 feet) between each other, as well as on public roads, on public transport. Violators will be fined.

International Travel
International travelers may enter via Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU), and the land borders with Brazil, specifically the crossings in Ciudad del Este, Pedro Juan Caballero, and Salto del Guaira. All other ports of entry and exit remain closed, except for repatriation and humanitarian flights, and cargo transportation. Officials previously restricted entry for travelers who had been in the UK due to a variant strain of COVID-19 in the UK; however, authorities have not announced any extensions in the entry ban since it ended Jan. 4.

All passengers must complete the Traveler's Health Declaration Form within 24 hours before entering the country. Additionally, travelers aged 10 and over must present proof of a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within 72 hours before arrival to be permitted entry. Authorities will, however, permit entry for nationals and foreign residents without a test result in exceptional cases, if the traveler takes a COVID-19 test within 24 hours after arrival and remains in isolation until the results are confirmed. Nationals and travelers from countries without MERCOSUR membership or association (including Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, as well as Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname) must also provide proof of international health insurance.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks. Highly targeted localized measures could be enforced in some communities.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.